Press / Admin Comment
Well done to Ringwood for their win
Ciprian Stanciu
A tremendous evening's
A tremendous evening's entertainment that went on to close to 11:00.
On board 1, Peter was the first to finish. I didn't see much of it but he got an advantage from a tactical exchange and then just stayed solid to bring home the point.
I was next to finish on board 3. I thought I was a good bit worse after a premature pawn break in the centre. However my engine suggests I was worse, but not quite tears-ville. An exchange of Toby's great knight for my bishop got me back in it and after that it just drifted my way. I needed to find a good few only moves to fend off Toby's attack but they were there to be found and I couldn't see better moves for him ( or checking with an engine now). This guaranteed at least a draw for Ringwood.
When I looked round it looked like that was all we would get so I hit the bar!
Early doors, every time I looked at Niall's position it had looked like a positional master-class saddling his opponent with a dreadful bishop and pressure. On my return, it had opened up and he was now down a piece and it was not looking good.
I hit the bar again and returned to see a rook ending.
I don't know if it could be held. I think Niall made a good stab at it and his opponent played it very well to bring home the point. 1-2.
Attention turned to "Fuller-Willetts". Dave F. seemed to have a good position throughout, but you have to beat Graham W. at least three time to get a draw!
By the time I came back from the bar, Dave had less than 2 minutes and Graham about 4 minutes. it was a good position for Dave - pawn up and better pieces. This essentially persisted for about another 30 moves! Dave pressing for the win but having to play on the increment. Graham defending well and complicating with a bit more time. They persisted to move 93, when with a clear draw on the board and Dave with 7 seconds left it was finally agreed drawn! A great effort by both, IMO.
Really enjoyed the night as always when we visit Poole.
Martin Joseph Clancy
Match Summary
Indeed an exciting evening of chess as Martin relates: long and with a series of plot twists.
For a few seasons now, Chip has continued to demonstrate his resiliant attitude on Board 1 in the BDCL League 1 and so it was a surprise to me when Peter's cheapo stole a piece in the early middle game.
Similarly, Sergiu has a longstanding habit of arriving just a little late and then playing good moves quickly. I saw nothing more of this game as I was trying to break the habit of a lifetime and stay seated and focussed on my game. I will defer to Martin's comments for more detailed context, but bad luck Niall.
When spectators are finally allowed to watch these league matches (perspex screens though, please...) the crowd will, I predict, make a bee-line for Toby's games... never a dull moment... rarely a tame position. Unfortunately for Poole, Martin took the point after 'some adventures', as they say.
On a personal level, my game had developed nicely for White, following a dubious opening sequence by Graham (he said!). The theme of the game really was me not finding the right plan to close out while we were both pretty much on increments for the last forty moves or so. Still on the up side, I have more material for my forthcoming blockbuster read 'How to Draw Won Endgames, Vol 6'... It's going to be great, it will be ready for Christmas, order now!
And so Ringwood pinch the points in this critical game. Well played.
DF
David M Fuller